Second Chance: I Left Them Behind and Became Myself

“Thank you, officer. I insist that they compensate for the villa. Whether they mortgage George's villa or something else, I'm fine with it. I'm not picky!”

George glared at me, pointing his finger, “You! You!”

I brushed his hand away and flipped him the finger.

Then I continued talking to my mom, “All the villas at home were bought by me. You and my brother should move out quickly. I'm going on a trip soon, and when I return, I want to see the villa returned spotless.”

With that, I left. From the day I started working until now, I hadn't taken a single day off. But having lived another life, I've realized that if I don't spend the money I've earned, I'm doing myself a disservice.

After sorting out everything at the company, I immediately booked a trip to Europe.

Just as I arrived in Paris, ready to watch the Olympic Games opening ceremony, my secretary called.

“Tammy, something bad has happened! Your mother brought your brother and Tina over. They're demanding that finance transfer all the money in the account to your brother's name, and they're even trying to steal the company seal.”

“Of course not! Why should all the money I worked so hard to earn go to my brother?”

“Your mother produced an IOU, claiming that she lent you money in the early days of your business. She said without her loan, the company wouldn't exist today. She also brought out a will, saying that before your father passed, he instructed that everything in the family should go to your brother.”

“And your fiancé is going around telling people that you're heartless, trying to grab the family villa even before getting married. Everyone in the circle is talking about it, and many don't want to renew contracts with us.”

“Tammy, you must come back quickly. Your mother has been bringing your brother and Tina to the company for several days now, scaring away several clients. Some ongoing clients are demanding money. We didn't want to disturb you, but we can't hold on any longer...”

I was absolutely livid. Before my dad died, he pale-faced told me that I was the eldest, and since my mom had never worked, the family would be my responsibility. Only now do I realize that this meant all the hardship was mine to bear, while all the enjoyment was reserved for my mom and brother.

So much for watching the Olympics opening ceremony—I caught the next flight home.

As soon as I got to the office, I saw my mom and brother standing by the finance office door, directing a locksmith to open it.

After the secretary's call, I had given the finance team paid leave, but I didn't expect them to try and break into the finance office. They must be money-mad.

Looking further inside, I saw George reassuring my employees, “Everyone, keep working. Europe is very chaotic right now, and Tammy unfortunately passed away there. When the company eventually passes to her brother, I'll be his loyal client, and I guarantee that your salaries and benefits won't be any worse than they are now.”

Several long-time clients I'd worked with for years were also there, clearly spooked by the rumors and eager to demand their money.

Some junior employees were whispering, [“Oh my god! Tammy actually passed away. Is that true?”]

[“It seems likely. Why else would her mother and brother take over, and why would these clients be here demanding money?”]

[“Then why don't they go through the legal system? They're legitimate heirs, aren't they? Why hire a locksmith?”]

[“Why do you care? Just do your job. After all, they're family!”]

...

Tina was weakly wiping her tears, “It's all my fault. It's my fault for suggesting her go to Paris to watch the Olympics. Now Tammy will never come back.”

I stormed into the office, “Who the hell said I was dead?”